Vengeful World: A Tale of Global Warming

Summary

Temperatures around the world are increasing at intense rates never before seen, hurricanes are washing entire cities off the globe, earthquakes are swallow up once peaceful homes, and Abigail Winthrop, a leading climate change researcher, is in the heart of it all. Abigail follows a bread crumb trail of clues for an environmental adventure like no other to unearth the true nature of the heat.

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Vengeful World - Dan Schwartz

(http://www.banocanut.com)

CHAPTER 1

Abigail Winthrop lay in her bed, staring up at the ceiling. It was the middle of the night, but she could not sleep. Her room was sweltering, and sweat dripped savagely from her brow, but this was not the reason for her restlessness. Abigail had too many thoughts running around in her mind; thoughts of the world, thoughts of the environment, and worries about the longevity of the human race.

Earlier that night, Abigail had witnessed a television broadcast by the President addressing the public. The President solemnly informed the nation that within the past week temperatures had reached an all time high, brush fires have been erupting all over the world, people are dropping from heat stroke, and as a people they must unify to battle against global climate change immediately. Abigail watched in shock. Although, she could feel the sudden change in temperature, she was unaware that it was as widespread as she had just learned.

Abigail was considered to be one of the leading researchers on the global climate change issue, and she had been researching the subject for well over ten years. Abigail was up to date on all the happenings, up to one week ago, when she had to take off work when she came down with the flu. What shocked her about the broadcast was the spontaneity of the change. She knew that temperature changes were gradual, but recently, the temperatures shot up by thirteen degrees Fahrenheit from the week earlier, and twenty one degrees Fahrenheit from the previous year’s April average. These numbers were unheard of, and this was the cause for Abigail loosing sleep. Abigail knew that a sudden spike in the temperatures was means for concern, and not just because of fires and fainting, but for what truly caused it. A cause, that Abigail was not sure of, but she knew it was well worth worrying about.

Now, hours into the night, and Abigail knew she would have to return to work tomorrow, whether or not she was feeling over her ailments. Abigail needed to go to work; she needed to sink her brain into the dramatic climate change. This was her life’s work, and this snuck up on her. Only a few hours until work, and still no sleep. Abigail tried to free her mind by staring up at the ceiling fan which rotated slowly above her. She focused on a singular blade as it cut through the air silently. Abigail could not help but wonder how effective the fan would be if the temperatures kept rising, only distributing warm air around the room. She squinted her eyes harshly at the thought, reprimanding herself for derailing back onto the train of thought of the news.

You can do this, Abigail said in a soft spoken gentle voice, just a new hours of sleep so that you are not useless tomorrow.

Abigail took a few deep breaths and was able to calm herself down enough to rest her eyes. Her head fell complacently onto her pillow and she obtained some much needed rest, but next thing she knew, her alarm was blaring. Abigail groggily arose from her nighttime tormenting grounds and entered the shower. The warm water refreshed Abigail, as for a moment she was worry free. She thanked the shower for its relaxing powers and jokingly contemplated spending the night under the running water. The thought brought a smirk to her face, but it soon faded as she returned to reality.

Abigail finished up her morning bathroom routines and opted to skip her makeup applications, claiming to herself that makeup could not save her today. The giant dark bags under her eyes, combined with the overall drooping of her skin from her illness, was more than a challenge to cover up. A challenge Abigail was unwilling to overcome, plus she never worried too much about her appearances. Abigail rummaged through her pantry for something to eat for breakfast and settled on a granola bar. She knew that she needed the energy so she wanted to eat, but she had yet to fully regain her appetite.

Abigail grabbed her keys and backpack, and blew her fish a goodbye kiss. She exited her apartment, locked it, and then double checked the doorknob to ensure that it was indeed fully fastened. She made her way to the parking garage, where she unlocked her bicycle and boarded it. Abigail started a ride to work, a ride that was just over two miles, which she justified as not necessary to drive her car. Abigail was a strong believer in conservation of energy practices.

As Abigail peddled, she could feel the back of her shirt dampening and rubbing against her and she regretted not throwing an extra change of cloths into her bag. The sun was not even up yet, and it was only April. The heat was almost unbearable to be out in, let alone cycling in. Abigail took a brief rest at the halfway point underneath the shade of some aged oak trees. In her time of rest she reviewed some research papers that she pulled from her bag. During her week absence from work she spent much of her time reading old papers that were published on climate change and planned on incorporating and comparing some of the more archaic methods into her research in order to test some of her hypotheses. From her research Abigail had predicted a sharp increase in the temperatures, but never predicted that it would appear so soon and in such extreme conditions.

Feeling up to continuing her journey to work, Abigail packed up her papers and went on her way. She pulled into her bicycle parking stand, a stand that she had a tough time convincing the Wellington Research Institute to install as a way to encourage employees to reduce emissions by riding bikes. She then entered the automatic sliding doors to the institute and was met by the cold breeze of air. Since it was Monday morning, Abigail shook her head at the thought that the air conditioning was left on all weekend to cool the undoubtedly empty building.

Abigail walked through the facilities, making her way to her personal area. Along the way she passed one of her colleagues, Jake Swanson, a tall, thin, clean shaven man, who looked like he was close in age to Abigail, both appearing to be in their mid thirties. As the two passed, they exchanged typical workplace formalities before jumping into personal dialogue.

How are you feeling? Jake asked, seeming sincerely concerned.

Better physically, but distraught over the news, Abigail wasted no time directing the conversation.

I know, I got in early this morning and already started collating the data over last weeks gauges, Jake noted, I should have the reports to you by mid afternoon.

Thanks; that will be a very useful. I need to look at everything I can.

Try to take it a little easy today; we do not want you getting yourself sick again. No offense, you look horrible today.

Abigail shot Jake a look at the comment, but followed it with a smirk. Abigail knew what she looked like today, but also knew that others commonly found her attractive, an attribute of hers she felt had gone to waste since she was dedicated to her work and found no time for a personal life other than her two fish, Christian and Doppler. Has Todd gotten in yet?

Jake shook his head no and continued on his way. Abigail then continued on her way to her office, which she shared with Todd Peters, her research partner. Abigail opened the door and was delighted to see that Todd had cleaned their office, a gesture which meant a great deal to Abigail since the two of them usually bickered about the clutter in their shared workspace. Abigail placed down her bag and began to unload her papers so that she could get right to work, when she heard a familiar gruff voice from the doorway.

Hello Miss Winthrop, I was expecting you.

Without turning around Abigail responded, how did you find me?

Quite easily actually. Your name is on the door.

I have been meaning to get that removed. Perhaps I have become too complacent. What are your intentions?

I was thinking of a welcome back hug.

Abigail turned around smiling to greet the cheery face of her research partner Todd. Todd was only an inch or two taller than Abigail, but out weighted her by a considerable amount. It was apparent from looking at him that he was fighting a loosing battle with obesity. His smile protruded through his thick black beard. It is good to see you Todd.

We all missed you and were worried sick about you, Todd said as he grabbed Abigail and hugged her tightly. It was clear that the two had a special bond formed by years of close quarters and long